Connect

Obama’s Pivot to Asia Staggers as Trade Deal Stalls in Congress

With two rows of sailors standing behind him, President Barack Obama strode alongside Manila Harbor last November to inspect an aging U.S. Coast Guard cutter that’s now the pride of the Philippine navy.

The vessel was once part of a 12-cutter Coast Guard fleet known for requiring never-ending maintenance to stay afloat. Now, it’s a tangible example of Obama’s attempt to reorient U.S. foreign policy toward Asia and confront Chinese expansion in the Pacific.